Disinfection (sterilization) of instruments

2024: Global sterilization equipment sales rise to $11 billion in a year

In 2024, the global sterilization equipment market reached $10.98 billion. About half of this amount fell on the North American region. Industry trends are addressed in the Fortune Business Insights survey published in late March 2025.

The study takes into account different types of installations. These can be steam (autoclaves), air (dry heat), plasma, gas (ethylene), radiation, quartz, ultrasonic, ultraviolet sterilizers, etc. Each type of device has its own advantages and features. Such equipment is used in various fields, including in hospitals and other health care institutions, biopharmaceutical companies, research institutes, etc.

Analysts note that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the industry. On the one hand, against the background of the spread of coronavirus, the demand for sterilizers in medical institutions has significantly increased. In addition, the dramatically increased research activities carried out by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to develop vaccines created an additional need for sterilization and disinfection equipment. But, on the other hand, the pandemic disrupted the work of many industries and supply chains, which caused difficulties with the purchase of sterilizers. The increasing prevalence of nosocomial infections is also contributing to increased sales of sterilization units.

The market driver is also technological advances in robotics and automation. The implementation of such systems improves the efficiency and accuracy of equipment. In addition, the number of errors associated with the human factor is minimized. Therefore, many development companies have focused on the release of autonomous disinfection robots.

At the same time, the authors of the study point to certain restraining factors. In particular, the lack of skilled labor for sterilization limits the use of appropriate equipment. A significant cost of equipment also has a negative impact on sales: for a small private medical institution, research institute or pharmaceutical company, installing these devices is impractical due to budget constraints.

In 2024, chemical/gas plants accounted for the largest share in the total sales of sterilization equipment - about 61.4%. The popularity of such devices is explained by the fact that they are suitable for working with a wide range of products. However, significant growth rates are observed in the segment of thermal sterilizers.

The report says that from a geographical point of view, North America is leading, where sales in 2024 amounted to $5.41 billion. A significant contribution was provided: Europe this is due to the increase in the prevalence of nosocomial infections and an increase in awareness of this problem in the region. Significant players in the global industry are named:

• Steris;
• Getinge AB;
• ASP;
• 3M;
• Cardinal Health;
• MMM Group;
• Matachana;
• Andersen Sterilizers;
• Noxilizer;
• Continental Equipment Company.

In 2025, the cost of sterilization equipment worldwide is expected to rise to $11.97 billion. Fortune Business Insights analysts believe that in the future, the CAGR in the market under consideration will be 10.2%. As a result, costs could rise to $23.56 billion by 2032 ^[1]

2023

In St. Petersburg, presented a robocomplex for the processing of medical implants

In St. Petersburg, presented a robocomplex for the processing of medical implants. We are talking about the development of ITMO University, the university said in early October 2023. Read more here.

Sterlink Low Temperature Plasma Sterilizer - Opportunity Overview

Does the clinic often need emergency sterilization? Need to sterilize especially sensitive tools? For such requests, a solution appeared on the Russian market - the Sterlink low-temperature plasma sterilizer, developed by Plasmapp on the basis of the Korean Institute of Advanced Technologies and sold already in 50 countries of the world. Read more here.

Rosatom opened a new multi-purpose center for processing products with ionizing radiation in Obninsk

On September 21, 2023, Rosatom opened a multipurpose center for processing products with ionizing radiation in Obninsk at the site of NIFHI named after L. Ya. Karpova JSC (part of the Health Technologies division of Rosatom State Corporation). Representatives of the Health Technologies division shared information about this with TAdviser. Read more here.

2022: Rosatom to build multipurpose processing center in Uzbekistan

On May 11, 2022, it became known that Rosatom will build a radiation center for products and medical devices in Uzbekistan by 2023. Read more here.

2020: Sterilization of instruments in a dental clinic

Below are the most effective ways to secure the tools of the dental clinic for 2020. The sterilization method is chosen based on the needs and capabilities of the clinic, often several methods are used at the same time.

Thermal. Purification occurs through hot steam (134 degrees Celsius) and high pressure (about 4 atmospheres). At the same time, each individual set of tools is packed in a kraft package, on which there is an indicator of the quality of processing.

Airy. Hot air treatment. Microflora dies due to protein burning in cells.

Microwave. It takes no more than 30 seconds, while reliably destroying microbes using high temperature.

Chemical. Disinfectants (wide-spectrum products) are used, into which tools are immersed.

Gas. Of all gases, ozone destroys organic matter best and fastest. He oxidizes it, literally tearing the cells to shreds.

Radiation. The most effective method. It destroys microbes at the molecular level by affecting surfaces with gamma rays.